Hot Topics:

City is renegotiating contract for Las Cruces Convention Center management

By Steve Ramirez

sramirez@lcsun-news.com @SteveRamirez6 on Twitter

Posted:
08/27/2013 01:34:44 PM MDT

LAS CRUCES >> Renegotiations on a contract to manage the Las Cruces Convention Center have begun between city government and officials with Global Spectrum, the company that has overseen operations for almost three years.

City Manager Robert Garza said Monday negotiations began last week. The city and Global Spectrum are nearing the end of the third year of a five-year contract to manage the center, but there is a clause that allows the city to opt out early.

In an update presented to the Las Cruces City Council during Monday's work session at City Hall, Garza reiterated concerns that the convention center hasn't been able to book conventions from out-of-town organizations and entities that he and other city officials had hoped for.

"Things did not happen as we had projected," Garza said."In short, we are contemplating a revised contract with Global Spectrum."

Garza added if a new contract can be worked out, it would focus on Global Spectrum's efforts to book events at the convention center that would attract more out-of-town visitors and less on booking local events. Global Spectrum has projected booking five conventions from organizations and entities not from Las Cruces during the city's current fiscal year, which continues through June 30.

But there are plenty of other considerations that will also have to be addressed in a new contract.

Advertisement

"There are too many finer points being discussed and it would be premature to make public comment further," Garza said. "As soon as we get to a mutually agreeable proposal, we will provide all details in advance of the (proposed) City Council approval date."

City Council will have the final approval of any new contract. Garza said if such an agreement can be struck, it could be presented to the council by the end of next month.

David Hicks, general manager of the Las Cruces Convention Center, said Global Spectrum is looking forward to its discussions with the city.

"We're thrilled to renegotiate a contract with the city," Hicks said. "With what we feel will be some minor tweaks to the contract, we'll be able to go forward."

Hicks added he and Global Spectrum officials share some of the city's concerns about bringing more out-of-town visitors into Las Cruces.

"That has equally been a concern of ours," Hicks said. "With a new contract, we can all be working in the same direction."Mayor Ken Miyagishima believes some changes are necessary.

"If you change your business model, I think it can work," Miyagishima said.

But some Las Crucens said Global Spectrum isn't to blame for all the concerns raised by city officials.

"We can't blame Global Spectrum, it's the economy," Las Crucen Ron Camunez said. "It (the convention center is) too small, and we, as a city, failed to adequately address that. ...We have some issues that clearly need to be addressed. We need to look at ourselves."

Las Cruces businesswoman Janet Honek said the convention center has helped local businesses with events that have been scheduled there. She cautioned city officials about 'cutting off your nose to spite your face.'